Coimbatore

Serious efforts behind stand-up comedy

When Alex Babu, popular as ‘Alexander the Comic’, was here to perform solo for the first time as part of his ‘Alex in Wonderland’ show, there was something altogether different, both in looks and performance. He did not look like his fellows, especially with musical instruments around him ranging from thavil to cajón.

There has been lot work behind the scenes for the audience to have a genuine laugh.

Alex is the only stand-up comedian in the country to combine two of his strengths – music and comedy – and offer them during his show. Alex has a team to help him out with his looks and content structure. Alexe’s brand adviser Ven Krishnamoorthy has been with him for a while, helping out with costumes and content structure. “We don’t interfere in terms of content. It is purely Alex’s. We offer feedback so that the right message is sent out to audience,” said Ven.

He started his branding consultancy firm Eleganz International three years ago and has been offering services to many, including industrialists, businessmen and politicians. “The most important part of branding is that it needs to be authentic. We can’t fake it. That is what we have been trying to do with Alex,” he says.

Alex, a yoga teacher, musician and stand-up comedian in one, fuses music and comedy for his ‘Alex in Wonderland’. Ven helps him with costumes and right message delivery. “We don’t make it too noticeable, though we work on his costumes depending on his show and place of performance. Communication starts from there,” says Ven.

“The audience starts judging you right from the moment they see you and it is important to get it right the first time,” he adds. Ven also manages Alex’s social media presence and makes sure his character is reflected in them. “People judge you by what you are off screen too. We can’t fake it,” said Ven whose team will be travelling with Alex for his future shows and help him crack the joke right.